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Are Kegel Exercises Helpful In Treating Fecal Incontinence?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Feb 2017
Question: Are Kegel exercises useful for fecal incontinence? Should we seek a referral for this problem to a gastroenteraologist, or some other specialist?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes Kegel will help you in long term,Consult a physiotherapist and Gastro.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for your query!

Constipation in long term damages the pelvic floor. The extra pressure applied over time by a constipated person weakens the pelvic floor, weakness in pelvic floor muscles weakens the opening and closing of anal sphincter, as they are the muscles which control it.

Now as per your question, yes, regularly practicing Kegel exercises will definitely help you in long term. Distal constipation comes from a lack of muscle tone in the abdominal wall and causes incomplete evacuation of the rectum following defecation. This type is very commonly observed among women.

It is closely related to pelvic floor dysfunctions since the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles can result in them not “pushing” as necessary for rectal evacuation,Regularly practicing kegel exercises will provide strength to the muscles.

You should consult a Gastroenterologist and a Physiotherapist for this.

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (12 hours later)
Thank you. She says she is never constipated, but does have fecal incontinence. She recently had a mild stroke, and the incontinence is a bit worse than previously, although she had the problem before. She tells us that she IS aware when she is about to have a movement; that is, she can feel the pressure.

We are adding soluble fiber to her diet (an orange, an apple, fiber wafers daily). We are also adding more water. Do you have any advice on diet? When making a change like this (she's 98, but in very good shape), our thought was to add fiber and water in small increments. Is that smart, or should we add even more? What would you recommend for daily intake of soluble fiber and water?

Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Details below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Kegal will definitely help her,But as you know there is no magic formula age of the patient is 98 so response will be a bit slow.Keep her motivated and follow them regularly.

Some diet suggestions are-

- Increase XXXXXXX warm water intake
- Eat plentiful "fresh oranges" and "pear "
- do some exercise everyday as per your capacity try to take a 20 minute walk.
-Don't worry too much.
- Take a diet which is very low in Fat.
-Add lot of vegetables and fruits to your diet.
-Fruit juices should be taken.
-Take small amount of food every 2 hours,Don't take large meals at one time, Eat small meals (rich in fiber),Avoid eating outside for few days ,Try to eat vegetable,Take a lot of yoghurt along with food.
-Take two tea spoon isphagula husk with 200 to 300 mL water once while going to bed every day.
- Avoid COLD milk and and AVOID junk food(NO burger , pizza-even if its veg.)
- avoid beverages / alcohol/ soft drinks
- do some exercise (push-ups / squats etc) early in the morning
- avoid carbonated drinks
- take 2-3 spoon edible virgin olive oil in the morning

But you can consult a dietician for better food plan.

If there is no cardiac problem then water intake should be atleast 8 glasses per day.
Fibres intake should be 30-40gram per day.
Thank you!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 hours later)
Thanks so much, Doctor. This helps us get started with a plan.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (21 hours later)
Hello Doctor

A follow up question on fiber count; you say she should eat between 30 and 40 grams of fiber per day. How many grams of soluble fiber should that include?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
8-10 grams!

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
One fourth of total fibre intake should be soluble.so it should be approx 8-10mg per day.
Thanks
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2913 Questions

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Are Kegel Exercises Helpful In Treating Fecal Incontinence?

Brief Answer: Yes Kegel will help you in long term,Consult a physiotherapist and Gastro. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for choosing health care magic for your query! Constipation in long term damages the pelvic floor. The extra pressure applied over time by a constipated person weakens the pelvic floor, weakness in pelvic floor muscles weakens the opening and closing of anal sphincter, as they are the muscles which control it. Now as per your question, yes, regularly practicing Kegel exercises will definitely help you in long term. Distal constipation comes from a lack of muscle tone in the abdominal wall and causes incomplete evacuation of the rectum following defecation. This type is very commonly observed among women. It is closely related to pelvic floor dysfunctions since the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles can result in them not “pushing” as necessary for rectal evacuation,Regularly practicing kegel exercises will provide strength to the muscles. You should consult a Gastroenterologist and a Physiotherapist for this. Thank you